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Arteta wants Arsenal to ‘write own destiny’ after title wobble

Mikel Arteta challenged spluttering Arsenal to start writing their “own destiny” in Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham after losing control of the Premier League title race.

Arteta’s side held a commanding lead in their bid to win a first English title since 2004, but the leaders have allowed second-placed Manchester City to close within five points of top spot.

City, who face Newcastle on Saturday, have a game in hand over Arsenal and will host the Gunners in a crucial clash in April.

If Pep Guardiola’s team win their remaining 12 matches, they will take the title regardless of Arsenal’s results in their last 11 games.

It is a painful scenario for Arteta, who presided over Arsenal’s blown leads in title races won by City in 2023 and 2024.

The Gunners have finished as runners-up for the last three seasons, and their latest untimely stumble has raised pointed questions about their ability to cope with the pressure of the title race.

But Mikel Arteta is adamant his players can handle the tension, as long as they embrace the opportunity to make history.

“What I have seen is a tremendous reaction again. When you lose points with the last kick of the game, in an unpredictable manner, nobody can really understand that. But this is football,” he told reporters on Friday.

“Life moves on, there’s nothing we can do. It is about what happens next.

“That was a chapter. In chapter 27, we draw against Wolves. In the next one it is about how we write our own destiny going forward.”

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Arsenal have squandered the lead in their last two matches, drawing 1-1 with Brentford and 2-2 at bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

Failing to beat Wolves after establishing a two-goal lead was especially painful, with a mix-up between keeper David Raya and defender Gabriel Magalhaes sparking Tom Edozie’s stoppage-time equaliser.

“The immediate reaction is tough. It was a shock to the system. We wanted to win and we couldn’t and we have to move on,” Arteta said.

“But we have clear instructions. We have to live in the present. The present is beautiful, we are exactly where we want to be in every competition.”

Arsenal have won just two of their last seven league games, but troubled Tottenham are in even worse form, with no wins in their previous eight top-flight matches.

Tottenham are just five points above the relegation zone, and interim boss Igor Tudor will be taking charge for the first time following Thomas Frank’s sacking.

Arsenal thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in November, but Arteta is wary about facing a team with a new manager.

“I think it has happened seven times already to us this season,” he said.

“We will have the capacity to adapt, but the main focus is on what we have to do to win.

“It’s the match we have next and the one we cannot wait to play. We have to show up on Sunday.”

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Arsenal blow two-goal lead in damaging Wolves draw

The Premier League title challenge of Arsenal suffered a major blow as they squandered a two-goal lead and conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a damaging 2-2 draw at rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to move seven points clear at the top after Bukayo Saka’s early opener and Piero Hincapie’s second-half strike put them in control at Molineux.

But Arsenal collapsed in the closing stages as Hugo Bueno reduced the deficit before Riccardo Calafiori turned Tom Edozie’s shot into his own net in the final seconds after a mix-up between goalkeeper David Raya and centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, to leave the visitors shell-shocked.

For a second successive league game, the Gunners had failed to hold onto a lead following their 1-1 draw at Brentford last Thursday.

Failing to kill off bottom-of-the-table Wolves was a devastating setback for Arsenal, who have won just two of their last seven league matches, offering renewed hope to second-placed Manchester City in the title race.

City are just five points behind Arsenal and have a game in hand on their rivals, as well as a home game against the Gunners in April.

Having wasted commanding leads in two previous title fights with City, Arteta’s men are in danger of being haunted by the ghost of their past failures.

Arsenal looked increasingly nervous as the minutes ticked down against Wolves in a clear sign that the league leaders are feeling the pressure of their bid for a first English title since 2004.

Adding to Arteta’s anxiety, Saka was forced off in the second half with a possible knee injury.

Losing the England star, who this week signed a new contract making him the club’s highest-paid player, for a sustained period would be a hammer blow to Arsenal’s title dreams.

Sitting 17 points from safety with only 11 games left, Wolves remain almost certain to be relegated, but they can take heart from a stunning fightback.

Once again playing as Arsenal’s number 10 after shining in that position against Wigan last weekend, Saka took just five minutes to show how comfortable he is away from his usual berth on the right wing.

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Declan Rice flighted a pinpoint cross towards Saka, and he timed his run perfectly to guide a stooping header past Jose Sa from close-range.

It was Saka’s first goal in 15 matches in all competitions, dating back to December 3, ending his longest drought as an Arsenal player.

Arsenal’s best period of an inconsistent performance came in the first 20 minutes when Rice fired just wide before Noni Madueke’s drive forced a good save from Sa.

But as freezing sleet and snow gusted across Molineux, Arsenal were almost caught cold when Wolves midfielder Andre fizzed a fierce strike narrowly wide.

Wolves threatened again immediately after half-time as Adam Armstrong went close from distance.

Shaken out of their slumber by those escapes, Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 56th minute.

Gabriel slipped a precise pass through to Hincapie, and he fired into the roof of the net.

An offside flag initially disallowed the goal, but Hincapie was able to celebrate after a VAR check showed he was onside.

Just as Arsenal looked set to cruise to victory, Bueno reduced the deficit with a stunning strike — the left-back curling into the top corner from the edge of the area for his first Premier League goal.

Arsenal’s underachieving striker Viktor Gyokeres was hauled off by Arteta after just 11 touches and no shots.

Unable to finish off Wolves, the Gunners were punished in farcical fashion in stoppage-time.

Gabriel got in the way of Raya catching the ball, and when it fell to Edozie, the teenager rifled his shot in off Calafiori to leave Arteta in disbelief.

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Arsenal held by Brentford to offer Manchester City Premier League title hope

Arsenal missed the chance to extend their Premier League lead to six points as Brentford rattled the Gunners in a 1-1 draw on Thursday to give Manchester City hope in the title race.

Noni Madueke headed the leaders in front on the hour mark, but the Bees were well worthy of at least a point and levelled through Keane Lewis-Potter.

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table now stands at four points as they aim for a first league title in 22 years.

But Mikel Arteta’s men still have to travel to second-placed City in the remaining 12 games of the season.

A point boosted Brentford’s bid to qualify for European football for the first time as they remain in seventh.

Keith Andrews’ side have only been beaten twice at home all season, and Arsenal can count themselves fortunate not to have suffered just a fourth league defeat of the campaign.

David Raya foiled his former club with a stunning save to claw away Igor Thiago’s powerful header with the best chance of the first half.

Arsenal were missing William Saliba and Kai Havertz through illness and injury, respectively, but were boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka on the bench.

Arteta sent for Odegaard at half-time to turn the tide, and the visitors started the second period with far more intent.

Arsenal’s pressure had its reward when Madueke rose highest at the back post to head Piero Hincapie’s cross back across Caoimhin Kelleher.

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However, the visitors were guilty of trying to hold onto their advantage rather than continuing to take the game to Brentford.

Thiago stung the palms of Raya once more as the home side grew in confidence.

Lewis Potter should have levelled earlier when he headed wide from a corner when completely unmarked.

Arsenal’s strength from set-pieces has played a huge role in putting them in pole position for the title.

But they struggled to cope with Brentford’s own prowess from dead balls.

The equaliser arrived from one of Michael Kayode’s long-throws propellled into the box, Sepp van den Berg won the flick-on, and Lewis Potter stole in ahead of Odegaard to head in.

Brentford were the far more likely winners in the final 20 minutes.

Cristhian Mosquera made a vital last-ditch tackle to deny Thiago.

The Brazilian’s best chance for an 18th Premier League goal of the season came in stoppage time, but he smashed inches over.

But Arsenal also had a chance to snatch victory at the death when Kelleher raced off his line to save from Gabriel Martinelli.

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Arsenal sink Chelsea to reach League Cup final

Arsenal reached the League Cup final for the first time in eight years as Kai Havertz sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side had put themselves in pole position in the first leg, and Havertz came off the bench to finish the 4-2 aggregate victory in the closing moments at the Emirates Stadium.

It was a cathartic triumph for the Gunners, who had lost their previous four semi-finals in the 2025 Champions League and League Cup, the 2022 League Cup and the 2021 Europa League.

In their first final for six years, Arsenal will face Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley on March 22.

City hold a 2-0 lead over Newcastle ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal haven’t won the League Cup since 1993, losing in their last three final appearances.

Now they have the chance to end that drought by winning the club’s first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.

That remains the sole silverware won by Arteta since he was hired in December 2019.

“We knew it was going to be a real battle out there. That resilience, that clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play, we did so well,” Arteta said.

“There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We’ve been waiting a few years to get into this position and we’re certainly going to enjoy it.”

It is shaping up to be a memorable season for Arsenal, who are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and reached the Champions League last 16 by winning all eight of their group matches.

Despite their success, Arsenal have attracted criticism for their reliance on goals from corners and set-pieces.

Arteta launched a passionate defence of Arsenal’s style of play this week, revealing he has a “massive book of people” who feel his side are the “most exciting in Europe”.

Tuesday’s war of attrition will hardly silence Arsenal’s critics, but Arteta won’t care about that after leading his team to Wembley.

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Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior had won six of his seven matches in all competitions since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca.

But Rosenior was unable to solve his Arsenal conundrum, with the Gunners handing him the only two defeats of his brief reign.

“Arsenal know they were in a game, over both ties. We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn’t find that quality moment,” Rosenior said.

“It’s painful to lose. We just need to keep making improvements, which I’m seeing from the first leg to the second.”

Without captain Martin Odegaard, sidelined by a muscle problem, and winger Bukayo Saka, who was injured in the pre-match warm-up at Leeds on Saturday, Arsenal weren’t at their best but still ground out the win.

Rosenior’s switch to a three-man central defence allowed Chelsea to stifle Arsenal in a scrappy first half.

The Gunners briefly shook off their shackles as Piero Hincapie’s curler from just inside the area was palmed away by Robert Sanchez.

It rained so heavily in the first half that Rosenior had to take off his soaked glasses to see what was happening.

Squinting through the squall offered Rosenior an alarming view as Malo Gusto’s misjudgement let in Gabriel Martinelli before the Chelsea defender scrambled back to block the shot.

It took 43 minutes for Chelsea to muster a shot on target when Enzo Fernandez’s long-range blast was punched clear by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea needed to push for a goal, and Rosenior sent on Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian after an hour, ditching his back three.

Estevao immediately set up Fernandez for a curler that flashed over, but Chelsea’s threat petered out.

Havertz delivered the knockout blow in the final seconds of stoppage-time, rounding Sanchez to slot into the empty net after Chelsea were caught on the counter.

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Arteta seeks Arsenal reinforcement for injured Merino

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are “actively looking” for a replacement for the injured Mikel Merino in the closing hours of the transfer window.

Merino, who has been a valuable contributor in midfield and attack for the Gunners, could miss the rest of the season with a fractured right foot that requires surgery.

Arteta stressed how significant the Spain international’s absence as Arsenal compete to win four trophies.

The Arsenal boss hopes his club can come up with a new signing to fill the void before Monday’s 1900GMT deadline.

“We are actively looking at options and we will continue to do that,” Arteta told reporters on Monday.

“When you lose a big player like this with four months to go, and all the competitions to play for, you need to look and we need to do everything we possibly can to see if a player is available.”

The loss of Merino has been tempered by the return to fitness of Germany forward Kai Havertz.

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There was further good news for Arsenal as Arteta revealed an injury that kept England winger Bukayo Saka out of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Leeds is only minor.

“Today, he (Saka) was better. Let’s see how he responds. It doesn’t look like something too serious,” Arteta added ahead of Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea

“Whether he is available for tomorrow or the weekend, we will have to wait and see.”

Arsenal remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple.

Arteta’s side hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, have progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League and face third-tier Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round.

But the Spaniard is focused on reaching the League Cup final as his side’s first opportunity to end a six-year trophy drought.

Arsenal hold a 3-2 lead over Chelsea ahead of the second leg on home soil at the Emirates Stadium.

“The next one is always the most important one. And it is the closest, at least, to reach a final,” said Arteta.

“We really need to create the atmosphere, the energy, the belief that we’re going to do it.”

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Arteta shares roadmap for Arsenal after Man United defeat

Mikel Arteta promised that Arsenal would play with “courage and conviction” for the rest of the season after their surprise defeat by Manchester United slowed their Premier League title charge.

Arsenal, who remain four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, host Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Wednesday, aiming to complete the tournament’s league phase with a perfect record.

The Gunners, who have seven wins out of seven in Europe this season, have already secured a place in the last 16, meaning they avoid a potentially tricky play-off next month.

They are also still alive in both domestic cup competitions.

Arsenal boss Arteta was asked at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday about his team’s reaction to Sunday’s surprise 3-2 defeat against United — a first home loss of the season.

“The reaction has been excellent,” said the Spaniard. “We took a moment to bring the temperature down, to pause and to reflect and ask two questions.

“One is, how do we feel and how do I feel myself? And then, how we are going to live the next four months?

“And it was so encouraging and beautiful because what came out of that is very simple — we have earned the right to be in a great position in four competitions.”

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Arsenal’s slip-up against Michael Carrick’s resurgent United followed 0-0 draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

But Arteta promised that the Gunners would be fearless as they chase a first Premier League title since 2004.

“In the next four months, we are going to live and play with enjoyment, with a lot of courage and with the conviction that we are going to win it,” he said.

“And this is going to be the mindset and where we are going to put the energy and I’m just hoping that everybody that is related to this club, especially our supporters, jump on the boat.”

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are not available to face Almaty due to “slight niggles” while Mikel Merino and Declan Rice are suspended.

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Manchester United dent Arsenal title bid with dramatic win

Manchester United dealt a blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title charge as Matheus Cunha’s superb strike clinched a thrilling 3-2 win over the leaders on Sunday.

Lisandro Martinez’s own goal put Arsenal ahead at the Emirates Stadium, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised before half-time.

Patrick Dorgu’s brilliant blast gave United the lead after the interval, until Mikel Merino’s late leveller looked to have rescued a point for Arsenal.

In a dramatic finish, Brazilian forward Cunha bagged the winner with an eye-catching drive three minutes from full-time.

It was Arsenal’s first defeat in 13 games in all competitions since losing at Aston Villa in December.

The Gunners lost at home for the first time in 18 matches in all competitions since losing to Bournemouth in May.

Arsenal are now just four points above second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa, who both closed the gap with wins against Wolves and Newcastle, respectively, this weekend.

City boss Pep Guardiola this week called Arsenal the “best team in the world”, but Arsenal’s three-game winless run in the league has breathed new life into the title race.

Arsenal still control their destiny, but goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had sparked concerns from their anxious fan base, and this was another alarming result for boss Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has not lifted a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, and Arsenal, who have not won the title in 22 years, face a test of their nerve in the coming weeks after blowing significant leads at the top in previous title races.

United’s first win at the Emirates Stadium since December 2017 continued Michael Carrick’s impressive start to his interim reign.

Former Middlesbrough boss Carrick, hired to temporarily replace the sacked Ruben Amorim, started his tenure with a surprise 2-0 win against Manchester City last weekend.

He has already masterminded victories over the top two to lift United into fourth after Amorim’s turbulent spell in charge.

Arsenal’s relentless early pressure was rewarded in the 29th minute.

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It was a shambolic goal for United to concede, starting with Dorgu’s failure to head clear from Piero Hincapie’s cross.

Bukayo Saka pounced and clipped his cross towards Martin Odegaard, and although the Arsenal captain miscued his shot, Martinez made a hash of clearing under pressure from Jurrien Timber, and the ball bounced in off the United defender’s heel.

Arsenal had not allowed a shot on target in their previous two league games.

Yet if Arsenal’s opener had come gift-wrapped by United, the Gunners returned the favour with an even more careless blunder in the 37th minute.

Zubimendi’s woefully under-hit back pass was seized on by Mbeumo, who glided around Arsenal keeper David Raya to fire home.

Mbeumo’s ninth goal in all competitions since arriving from Brentford maintained the Cameroon forward’s gradual improvement in his first season with United.

Arsenal had completely lost their momentum, and Carrick’s men took full advantage five minutes after the interval.

Bruno Fernandes picked out Dorgu, and he took a touch before lashing into the top corner from 20 yards.

Arsenal appealed for a handball against Dorgu, but VAR allowed the goal to stand as a worried silence descended on the Emirates Stadium.

The 21-year-old’s second goal in successive games vindicated Carrick’s decision to move him from defence into a more attacking role.

To their credit, Arsenal refused to surrender, and they snatched an equaliser in the 84th minute.

Once again, it was an Arsenal set-piece that did the damage as Lammens failed to catch Saka’s corner and Merino bundled home from close-range.

However, there was a sting in the tale for Arsenal in the 87th minute.

Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo teed up Cunha for a superb strike that flashed past Raya from 25 yards.

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Guardiola confident as Man City chase ‘world’s best’ Arsenal

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City are tasked with chasing down the best team in the world in Premier League leaders Arsenal as he launched a defiant defence of his players after a chastening week.

City were well beaten by local rivals Manchester United last weekend before suffering one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history away to Norway’s Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday.

Guardiola’s men are yet to win a league game in 2026, allowing Arsenal to open up a seven-point lead in the title race.

But the City boss backed his “extraordinary” group of players to respond as they remain in contention for silverware in four competitions.

“Absolutely, the best team right now in the world,” said Guardiola on the challenge of chasing down Arsenal, who have also won all seven of their Champions League matches.

“So look in the Champions League, in the Premier League, look in (the) FA Cup, in Carabao Cup – it’s the best team right now.

“Hopefully we can be close and getting better, getting better and have the chance to catch them.

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“I have an extraordinary team, an extraordinary group of players. And we are all together. We are a fantastic football team, I don’t have any doubts about that.”

City’s dip in form has coincided with the loss of key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to injury.

The arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace should mitigate their absence with the England international set to make his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

“It’s going to help us because the experience of Mark is exceptional,” added Guardiola.

“Considering the absence of central defenders it’s really good.”

Dias, Gvardiol and Nico Gonzalez remain sidelined for City, but Matheus Nunes could return after missing the last two games with a virus.

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Arsenal crush Aston Villa to make statement in title race

Arsenal punished a costly mistake from Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the Premier League leaders ran riot in the second half to crush their title rivals 4-1 on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were gifted the lead at the Emirates Stadium when Martinez made a hash of catching a corner, and Gabriel Magalhaes bundled home.

The Gunners struck again through Martin Zubimendi before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus rubbed salt into Villa’s wounds with clinical finishes.

Arsenal’s ruthless display served as a significant statement of intent in a tense title race.

They end 2025 with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who travel to Sunderland on Thursday.

Arsenal, winners of four of their last five league games, are chasing a first English title since 2004 after finishing runners-up for the last three seasons.

They will hope for a favour from Sunderland against City before returning to action at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Third-placed Aston Villa, who beat Arsenal 2-1 at home on December 6, trail six points behind the leaders after a chastening result that served as a reality check to their title credentials.

Unai Emery’s team arrived in north London in the hunt for a first title since 1981 after beating Chelsea 2-1 last weekend to equal their club record of 11 successive wins.

But, aided by Martinez’s blunder, Arsenal punctured their momentum with an impressive display that condemned Villa to a first defeat since losing to Liverpool on November 1.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was a surprise absence with a knee injury suffered in last weekend’s win over Brighton, the latest casualty of a season plagued by fitness issues.

But Gabriel and Jurrien Timber started after injuries, giving Arsenal a far more solid look following their recent defensive wobbles.

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Ollie Watkins should have given Villa the lead from Ezri Konsa’s pass, but the England striker scuffed his shot wide from six yards.

Villa caused Arsenal all manner of problems on the break, yet couldn’t make it count as Watkins curled wide at the end of another rapid raid.

With Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres squandering two good headed chances in the first half, extending his troubled debut season, the Gunners were beginning to grow frustrated as Martinez took an age over goal-kicks in a bid to take the sting out of the game.

But they had their revenge on the Argentine, turning the tide in the 48th minute.

Arsenal’s set-piece prowess shone through once again as Gabriel put Martinez under pressure at a corner, prompting a weak attempted catch from the keeper that ended with the ball rolling into the net off the defender.

The goal survived a VAR check for a potential foul on Martinez, and Arsenal surfed the wave of momentum to double their lead four minutes later.

Martin Odegaard led a high-tempo press to steal possession, and the Norwegian’s perfectly weighted pass split the Villa defence as Zubimendi ran through to slot past Martinez from 12 yards.

Trossard put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute, lashing home from the edge of the area after Odegaard’s cross unhinged the creaking Villa defence.

Jesus capped a memorable evening for Arsenal with his feel-good moment in the 78th minute.

Just back from almost a year out with a knee injury, the Brazil forward took Trossard’s pass and curled past Martinez from 18 yards.

Jesus’s first goal since January 1 left Arteta wreathed in smiles, and Watkins’ close-range strike in stoppage time couldn’t stop Arsenal revelling in their statement victory.

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Arteta hints at Gabriel Jesus return ahead of League Cup clash

Mikel Arteta has hinted that he is ready to hand Gabriel Jesus his first start in nearly a year in Arsenal’s League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

The Premier League leaders host Oliver Glasner’s side at the Emirates, desperate to end the club’s six-year trophy drought.

Jesus scored a hat-trick in Arsenal’s last-eight win against Palace last season before they fell to Newcastle in the semi-finals.

The Brazil international then spent 11 months on the sidelines after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

But, following three substitute appearances, Jesus could be unleashed from the start against Palace, with Arteta set to rotate a side that faces six matches in 20 days.

Arteta said former Manchester City forward Jesus, 28, was ready to start.

“You can see now, not only in games but every day in training how much he wants it so he’s going to deserve a chance soon,” he said.

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“It has been a real intense journey. When he joined us he lifted the belief, the spirit and the energy of the team and he gave something very different to what we already had and was very impressive.

“Then he had some very bad injuries, and that hasn’t allowed him to have the consistency we need from a very important player.

“He is back and his fighting spirit, his desire to always prepare in the best way is unbelievable. The team is together now and we need to use it.”

Jesus could take the place of Viktor Gyokeres, who, despite scoring from the penalty spot in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, has not found the back of the net from open play in his past six appearances.

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